Singapore and Guangdong strengthen cooperation as Guangzhou Knowledge City marks 15 years of connecting Singapore companies to China

18 December 2025

On 25 November 2025, Enterprise Singapore (“EnterpriseSG”) announced new developments in economic cooperation between Singapore and Guangdong, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (“CSGKC”), a longstanding platform that has helped Singapore companies establish and expand their presence in Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area (“GBA”).

Despite the broader global economic headwinds, economic ties between Singapore and Guangdong have remained robust. Bilateral trade amounted to US$11.7 billion in the first half of 2025, and Guangdong continued to be Singapore’s top provincial trading partner for the 36th year in 2024. CSGKC has played a central role in this relationship over the past decade and a half, with more than 60 Singapore enterprises now operating there and using the project as a launchpad for regional growth.

These milestones formed the backdrop for the 15th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council meeting held in Guangzhou on the same day. Co-chaired by Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Mr Ong Ye Kung and Guangdong Governor Mr Meng Fanli, the meeting reaffirmed the strong and evolving partnership between both sides. Singapore and Guangdong noted that cooperation now spans not only traditional areas but increasingly covers sectors such as sustainability, healthcare and biomedical, and innovation. During the meeting, 20 project signings took place, reflecting growing collaboration in trade and connectivity, sustainability, healthcare, and financial services.

CSGKC continues to anchor bilateral cooperation

Marking its 15-year milestone, CSGKC remains a key pillar of bilateral engagement. Companies from Singapore have continued to tap into the CSGKC to explore opportunities across Guangdong and the wider GBA region, reinforcing its role as a strategic entry point for business expansion.

Expanding cooperation across other sectors

Trade and connectivity remain a focal point of Singapore-Guangdong cooperation. In Shenzhen, CrimsonLogic and Shenzhen South E-Port are jointly studying ways to digitalise and streamline import and export customs clearance processes. Their work aims to help businesses align with unified compliance standards and speed up customs procedures.

Sustainability and the green economy were also highlighted as growing areas of collaboration, with companies from both regions continuing to explore partnerships aligned with their respective climate and development priorities.

Smart City Initiative drives progress in the digital economy

The Singapore-China (Shenzhen) Smart City Initiative continues to advance bilateral cooperation in digital connectivity. A notable outcome this year was the launch, in September, of a joint guide on Singapore-China cross-border data flow regulations by the Asian Business Law Institute and Shenzhen Data Exchange. The guide is intended to offer businesses a clearer understanding of personal data protection requirements and compliance obligations in both markets.

Innovation partnerships also continue to deepen. Since its launch in 2023, the Singapore-Shenzhen Joint Innovation Call 2 has supported 10 collaborative projects. The pre-call for this year generated strong interest, receiving over 110 applications, with 21 themes shortlisted for the current joint call process.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the EnterpriseSG website www.enterprisesg.gov.sg: